WSC 105
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q105. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?
In the fifth petition, which is, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.
Proof texts
- Matt. 6:12 — [12] and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
- Ps. 51:1-2,7,9 — [1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! [7] Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. [9] Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
- Dan. 9:17-19 — [17] Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. [18] O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. [19] O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”
- Luke 11:4 — [4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
- Matt. 18:35 — [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matt. 6:12 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WLC Q178 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q194 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?